Chapter 13 Summary

Evariste and his colleagues are concerned that the armies of the Coalition have joined forces, Lyons is in revolt and Toulon surrendered to the English who are sending reinforcements because their fates are bound irrevocably to their country's fate. Evariste tries several accused individuals, sentencing them all to death for treason and anti-revolutionary sentiments. He begins to feel that punishment is its own virtue and merit. Since Marat's death, Evariste attends Jacobin meetings nearly every evening, admiring their vigilance, dogmatism and arts of governing. That day, Robespierre delivers an eloquent attack against the enemies of the Republic, allowing Evariste to understand as he simplifies matters: Centralization means unity and safety while Federalism leads to chaos and damnation. Robespierre also enlightens Evariste regarding those who want to abolish wealth and poverty to establish a happy mediocrity for all as men try to undermine the...